5 Signs That Boston Bruins Are Toronto Maple Leafs’ Biggest Rival

Bruins - Leafs — Next season, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be celebrating their 100th season in the National Hockey League. There have been different rivalries over the years for the original six franchise. However, in recent memory, there can't be any franchise with a bigger feud against Toronto than the Boston Bruins. Here are the top five signs that prove it.

5. Phil Kessel Trade

On September 18, 2009 the teams came together on a trade with the two original six franchises. Phil Kessel was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs and returning to Boston were two first round picks and a second round selection. Two key pieces that hurt Toronto were draft selections forward Tyler Seguin and defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who were key pieces in a championship roster during the 2010-11 campaign.

4. "Thank you, Kessel!"

Since the famous Phil Kessel trade to Toronto, the Bruins fans were always willing to 'thank' the Maple Leafs organization for accepting the forward sniper. The Leafs are still awaiting their first Stanley Cup appearance since winning in 1967, while the Bruins have won the Stanley Cup (in 2011) and made it to the finals since the Kessel trade (in 2013).

3. Game 7 Leafs' Collapse against Bruins In 2013

Toronto had a three-goal lead and ten minutes away from winning their first playoff series in a decade versus Boston, in Game 7. However, Boston came back to tie and force the game into overtime. Overtime came and the Bruins beat the Maple Leafs in heart-breaking fashion.

2. Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup Champions

Media constantly asks current Calgary Flames President Brian Burke if he feels regret over the Kessel trade. No matter what the former GM or anyone says within the Leafs organization, seeing the Bruins defeat the Vancouver Canucks to win a Stanley Cup had to be a kick in the gut for Toronto.